Three Protesters Imprisoned as Preventive Measures Amid Ongoing Investigations in Tbilisi
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
On November 29, three young men were arrested on charges of attacking policemen and damaging other people's property during a protest and were imprisoned as a preventive measure.
Tbilisi City Court Judge Nino Epitashvili ordered the detention of a 21-year-old accused of assaulting a police officer as a preventive measure.
During today's session, the prosecution requested the strictest preventive measure against the detainee, while the defense requested his release in exchange for a 10,000 GEL bail. Judge Epitashvili granted the prosecution's request.
The defendant exercised his right to remain silent and did not state his position in court. His lawyer plans to appeal the court's decision in the Tbilisi Court of Appeal.
Regarding the 17-year-old detainee, he is accused of throwing a burning object into the legislative building during the November 29 protest, which resulted in a fire in one of the rooms of the parliament building. Judge Arsen Kalatozishvili sentenced him to prison as a preventive measure.
Another detainee, accused of setting fire to the monitoring system of the emergency situation management center "112" installed on the facade of the parliament building, was also sentenced to preventive detention by Judge Nana Shamatava.
For context, the ongoing investigation is being conducted under Articles 187 and 353 of the Criminal Code, which pertain to damage to another person's property and assault on a police officer.
Currently, five individuals have been detained under these articles. Additionally, administrative proceedings are underway under Articles 166 and 173 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, addressing disobedience to lawful police orders and petty hooliganism.
Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Service has launched an investigation into allegations of abuse of official authority by law enforcement officers, including acts of violence against rally participants and media representatives.
